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Discovery of Spiral Galaxy With Massive Black Hole Jets Redefines Galaxy Evolution

Astronomers identify J23453268−0449256, a spiral galaxy defying expectations with colossal radio jets, reshaping theories of galactic stability and the Milky Way's potential future.

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope imaged these giant radio jets stretching 6 million light-years across with an enormous supermassive black hole at the heart of spiral galaxy J23453268-0449256. Could this cosmic anomaly hint at the future of our own Milky Way galaxy?

Overview

  • J23453268−0449256, nearly 1 billion light-years away, hosts a supermassive black hole with radio jets stretching 6 million light-years, among the largest observed in a spiral galaxy.
  • The discovery challenges the belief that such extreme jets disrupt the structure of spiral galaxies, as J23453268−0449256 retains its well-defined spiral arms and stellar ring.
  • The galaxy contains 10 times more dark matter than the Milky Way, providing stability to its fast-spinning disk under intense conditions.
  • The findings suggest the Milky Way's central black hole, Sagittarius A*, could potentially become active in the future, posing risks to Earth's habitability through radiation exposure.
  • This study highlights the interplay between dark matter, black hole activity, and galactic structure, offering new insights into cosmic forces and galaxy evolution.